[NeilV]

Hi all,

Have been looking around, but haven't yet stumbled on anyone who is a teacher in NZ. I'm moving into the Auckland area in Jan, and was hoping for advice info on current teaching conditions.

Anyone who knows what's up these days is welcome to give me advice?

Parents/Teachers/agents???

thanks,
Neil

[Debbie P.]

HI Neil,

I don't think you'll have a problem - there are a few teachers on the forum, and parents too, and they all have strong feelings about schools in NZ! I'm sure you'll get some replies soon, but certainly the impression I get is that teachers have the same problems there as they do in the UK.

[willsken]

Hi Neil. I'm a teacher but not yet in NZ. I have a job though and I've carried out a lot of research. Ask away and I'll see if I know the answer!

[NeilV]

Primarily my issue is that i'm a UK trained teacher who achieved QTS through the GTP [graduate teacher program] rought. i am unable to find information on how to have my teaching status assessed, since the NZQA have a dodgy tack-on line about QTS "not being a qualification" and thus unable to be assessed by them.

Am I likely to be able to teach in NZ, as i'm disinclined to go back to uni to RETRAIN as a teacher to get the PGCE they can assess?!?

Any knowledge of what NZ thinks of UK QTS?

Do they use supply teachers like the UK?

Could i teach as a supply while my case is being assessed by the NZQA/NZ teachers assoc.? [I'm going in on a spouse visa as mny wife is a kiwi]

thanks,
Neil :

[ruthyroo]

Hi Neil

You could contact the NZ Teaching Council and Teach NZ (government agency) and ask them to confirm whether the UK GTP qualification is acceptable for you to register / practice as a teacher in NZ? They might be more aware of it than the NZQA and be able to tell you if it is a go-er.

Formally, you need to jump through all the hoops (NZQA assessment, rego with NZTC etc) before you can teach in NZ. Individual schools are pretty flexible on employing people here (there are lots of teachers in NZ who either don't have formal teaching qualifications, or are teaching in subjects they have no qualifications in). Your difficulty is more likely to be with the NZQA / NZTC than with individual schools. If you have the right to work in NZ through your spouse visa i.e. you don't need to apply for PR / Work permit, you might be able to wangle teaching work with an individual school - but you would need to be NZTC registered for any standard teaching job, and to register you need your NZQA assessment...

I don't think many schools in NZ will have heard of the GTP TBH.

Supply teaching is kinda different from the UK - there are no central agencies (no local authorities) except in the big cities. Most supply comes from signing up with individual schools, gradually working your way to the top of their list and building up a network. When Mr Rr first signed up for supply they wanted a copy of his NZTC registration and PR visa before they would emply him.

Good luck!

[NeilV]

Thanks Ruthyroo,

that is a complete and informative response, I will contact the NZ Teaching Council and Teach NZ ASAP and follow that up.

I have heard a "rumour" through another contact that i might be given permission to teach, but not be paid on the "qualified" scale as there is no equivalent to GTP in NZ. would this apply to the individual schools to? or are they able to set their own standards on employment and pay scales?

Thanks again,
Neil

[NeilV]

UPDATE:

for foreign teachers who are "unable" to gain NZQA recognition of their qualifications [in my case 'cos NZ doesn't have an equivalent to the GTP] they have a Track2 application process, where [on a 4-6 weekly basis] individual cases are reviewed by the NZ teaching reg. auth, and individuals status is decided by a panel of representatives.

Here's hoping fully qualified in the UK counts for something in NZ!! :roll

Maybe I should just ask Diny to give them a reference regarding the standard of teaching in the UK? :D

[CjChris]

Thanks for the informative thread. Please let us know what you find out! My OH is thinking of changing careers from scientist to teacher. He has PhD in chemistry, but only has teaching quals through GTP at the university where he got his last degree.

Even though he can make more money as a scientist, he is hoping for a more karma friendly job with the same hours as I will have as a teacher.

Christine

[Calbabe]

UPDATE:




for foreign teachers who are "unable" to gain NZQA recognition of their qualifications [in my case 'cos NZ doesn't have an equivalent to the GTP] they have a Track2 application process, where [on a 4-6 weekly basis] individual cases are reviewed by the NZ teaching reg. auth, and individuals status is decided by a panel of representatives.

Here's hoping fully qualified in the UK counts for something in NZ!! :roll

Maybe I should just ask Diny to give them a reference regarding the standard of teaching in the UK? :D

Hi Neil,

I have worked as a teaching assistant (now level 4) for 12 years. As I have a degree and intended to take up teaching I applied for the teachers registration. As I did not meet the track 1 requirements (without PGCE) I went throught the track 2 route.The Teachers council were really helpful and I phoned up to speak to them to see what chance I would have of getting it.
There was an awful lot of material to get together but I did it and gave it my best shot. I made up a portfolio of evidence to meet all the criteria they wanted. I recieved my provisional registration to teach plus one year experience credit. This means that I can apply for teaching jobs and then must complete a one year "Advice and Guidance" programme in order to apply for full registration. I am not sure what the starting wage will be, bit worried TBH considreing I am the main bread winner in our family. But it is what I really want to do and I am going for it, if it's what you want, do it!!

Good Luck to you, let me know how it goes,

Cal

P.S
We have our PR and hope to arrive in NZ early March